My daughter who was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer and is scheduled to undergo chemo and radiation shortly, is saying that until they do the surgery to remove the tumor (following shrinking the tumor from chemo and radiation) they will not be able to tell what "stage" she is in. Is this true? I thought they could tell the stage from the biopsies they took from her when she had her colonscopy. Is there a doctor out there that could shed light on this for me? I have done a search about colorectal cancer, but cannot find the answers I'm seeking. Please help. Thanks.
2007-03-10 11:18:29 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Yes, the doctor is telling you the truth. The biopsy can tell you if it is cancer and what kind of cancer it is but they will not know how extensive the cancer is until surgery.
Best wishes!!
2007-03-10 11:24:12 · answer #1 · answered by Colette B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The American cancer Society explains the reasoning behind waiting until after surgery to stage coloretal cancer.
Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer
How Is Colorectal Cancer Staged?
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_colon_and_rectum_cancer_staged.asp
2007-03-10 11:37:24 · answer #2 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the surgery will provide the information on the Stage. I do wish you and your daughter strength.
2007-03-10 11:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by maddojo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋